Your Shield: Simple Scripts to Stop Scammers Cold
Knowing the red flags is the first step. The second is knowing exactly what to do and say in the moment. Having a pre-planned response removes the pressure and puts you back in charge. Think of these scripts as simple tools you can use anytime you feel uncertain. They are polite, firm, and incredibly effective at ending a potentially dangerous conversation.
The Verification Script: Your Go-To Response for Any Unsolicited Call
This script works for any call, whether it claims to be from your bank, the IRS, a utility company, or a tech support service. The goal is to end the current conversation and initiate a new one on your own terms.
Here is a mini-example of what to say:
“Thank you for letting me know. I take this matter very seriously. For my own security, I have a personal policy to never handle financial or personal information on a call I did not initiate. I am going to hang up now and call the organization back using the official phone number I have on my bank statement or from their official website. I will not use any callback number you provide.”
After you say this, hang up. Do not debate with them or let them talk you out of it. A real employee from a legitimate company will understand and respect this security procedure. A scammer will likely become angry or try to pressure you further, which only confirms your suspicion. Then, find an old bill, the back of your credit card, or search for the company’s official website to find a verified phone number. Call it and ask if they were trying to contact you.
The Bank Visit Script: Securing Your Accounts Face-to-Face
If you are ever worried that you may have shared information or that your accounts are at risk, there is no substitute for speaking with someone in person at your local bank branch. They are trained to handle these situations and can act quickly.
Here is a mini-example of what to say when you arrive:
“Hello, I’m a customer here. I recently received a very suspicious phone call that seemed to be about my account, and it has me concerned about potential fraud. Could I please sit down with someone to review my recent transactions, check the security settings on my account, and make sure everything is safe?”
This simple, clear request will get you the help you need. They can check for unauthorized activity, help you strengthen your password, and explain what security features, like transaction alerts, you can enable for added protection.
The Device Cleanup Action: What to Do If You Gave Remote Access
If you were tricked into letting someone access your computer, it is crucial to act quickly to reclaim your digital space. This is not a script to say, but a sequence of actions to perform.
Follow these three steps immediately:
1. Disconnect: The very first thing you should do is disconnect your computer from the internet. You can do this by turning off your Wi-Fi or unplugging the ethernet cable. This severs the scammer’s connection.
2. Uninstall and Scan: Go into your computer’s settings or control panel and find the list of installed applications. Find the program the scammer asked you to install (common names are TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or LogMeIn) and uninstall it. After that, run a full security scan using a reputable antivirus program.
3. Change Passwords: Using a different, trusted device (like a smartphone or another computer), immediately change the passwords for your most critical accounts. Start with your primary email, then all of your financial and banking websites.
